In general, models of their respective genders must have the requisite height and weight ranges. Age also factors into the equation, although the best ones find a way to stay relevant even at an advanced age, and some models can start younger than most.

Models can start working in the industry from their late teens to their twenties, although certain markets and projects will call for models of certain ages. For minors who get into the industry, remember that your parents or guardians will have to accompany you or sign paperwork on your behalf.

Fashion modeling

Generally, for females in fashion modeling, height should generally be from 5’8” to 5’11” or even 6 feet flat. Weight is variable, with respect to the frame and proportions more than the actual weight, but around 100-130 pounds should be good. Age is typically from 16 to 21 years.

Males should be around 5’11” to 6’2” tall, with a fit body. Being ripped is not a must, but having a toned bod won’t hurt, and proportions should be great to highlight the kinds of clothing being modeled.

Catalogue and print modeling

This particular field isn’t as demanding and restrictive when it comes to measurements and ages. Even at around 5’8”, if the proportions are good and since the gigs are more or less for print materials, then models can get away with not being tall enough. In addition, with the sheer range of products being featured in catalogues, there’s practically a market for models of all shapes and sizes.

Age can also be variable, as the look is the most important aspect. It depends on the market and the product, basically.

Petite

This is perhaps the type of modeling in which a lack of height is to the model’s advantage. Typically, this route calls for females who are 5′ to 5’6” tall. Here, it’s not too strict when it comes to age, but you can see how teenagers and those in their early twenties could have an advantage in petite modeling.

Lingerie and bikini

Females who specialize in modeling for lingerie and bikinis should be between 5’7” to 6′. The requirements are similar, but bikini models tend to have larger cup sizes compared to lingerie models. Lingerie models need to look more mature in order to fully showcase the products.

Plus-size

The height for plus-size models is generally the same as their more mainstream fashion modeling counterparts. It’s around 5’7” to 6” for women, with figures in the size 8-12 range. Plus-size models usually start in the twenties, and models in the late twenties can make it big in this type of modeling. You can check out the in-depth measurement requirements for plus-size models here.

And if you find that you do not meet some of the required measurements and are still wondering, “Do I Have What It Takes To Be A Model?“ check out the many different types of modeling and see which one fits you best!!

You may find that the genre of modeling you like most is not the best fit, but that another fits you just perfect! So Get checking!!!

P.S. Modeling Wisdom is only an informational blog. It is NOT a modeling agency and cannot tell you whether you have what it takes to model or not. Modeling Wisdom CAN, however, provide you with the necessary steps to give modeling a try if you would still like to give modeling a shot! In the end, the only person who can tell you that you don’t have a shot is yourself. Believe in yourself and don’t stop until you have achieved your goal, no matter what they say!!

Hello Divya! You have good height and are of the right age:) plus! There are many fields of modeling outside of just fashion! I would say you should absolutely get involved with a local modeling agency and give modeling a try!!

Hi there Sara! You are slightly on the shorter side as it pertains to modeling… But! that does not mean you can not be successful. There is always petite modeling and you may fit this bill perfectly:) Check out this article on What Is Petite Modeling?

my height is 6’1″. i want to be a runway model.i have good physique ,good look and all tools which is important in modeling career .but i an 28 year old…….is 28 too old to start for modeling career?…….are there any age limits ?….so tell me please should i try modeling or not ?……..

Mya! There is no true way to know if someone has what it takes to “make it.” But, Simply going off your age, you are still good to go at 23. Moving to New York is a giant move and only necessary if you truly want to try your hand at the biggest stage modeling has to offer. There are a lot of modeling jobs there for sure, but there are also some of the world’s best models. Try modeling in your hometown locally first. New York is something you try when you feel you are ready.

Hi Kathy!! Thank you for commenting on the blog:) Catalog and commercial modeling does allow more room for “experienced” models. I would say, if it is something you would like to try then you need to do it! Get some pics, send them to some local agencies and see what they say. You might be exactly what they need!

Hey Suchmita:) I do think you could be a model. Some swimsuit companies are quite picky with their models as they are a limited amount of clothing to display, so this may be something that you can work up to. But with that said, get in touch with some local modeling agencies around you and see what they require of their models, then go get it!

Hi
Im a 16 years old girl , my height is 5’8 and i want to be a runway model but i’m not sure about my body measurements!!
My bust is 34 and my waist is 25 and my hip is 34 or 35 !!
Should i try modeling ??

Most male models will be around 6 ft tall, but 5’10” can work too! It simply depends on the type of modeling you are going to be able to do. Check out this article on The Different Types of Modeling! Give it a shot Wolf!!

Hello im 23,weigh 154 and i was about to sign a contract but they told me i have a belly on me!Also they said i have a really good look.will i have the chance to be successful at 5’10 to do fashion modeling. Oyeah the agent thinks i fit for commercial modeling more.

At 5’10” you will likely be able to do a good amount of commercial modeling Joshua! Get in shape and go back and sign with that agency. Then you can start getting some modeling jobs. Check out this article on commercial modeling!

Hey there Kaitlyn! Well as you are only 12, I am assuming you will grow even a little taller and then you would be tall enough to be a model. If it is something you have a passion for, then I totally think you can make it happen:)

I am 12 years old .I am 5 feet 5 1/2 inches, and my measurements are 34-26-34. But im still growing because my family is tall( my family is tall. My family is very tall.My mom is 5’9 but her dad was 6’4).Except for my mom she is 5’9 ).Do you think that I can be model?Do i need to lose wight

Hi.
I’m 16 and am 5’7. My measurements are a little crazy at 36 for my chest, 26 for my waist and 42 for my hips. I’ve been told that I’m beautiful, but I just want to know if modeling is right for me. Can you help me out a bit?

Hello Nivedita:) You know, there is a great movement of women designers catering to measurements outside the typical “runway measurements”. However, to answer your question, modeling is only right for you if you desire it to be. YOU must want to do it, not anyone else. It can be a frustrating business due to competition and differing markets. But I certainly believe you can do it if you want to:)

Hey Tobi! Great to hear from you. Weight is somewhat of an arbitrary measurement as there is no specific number needed to be a good model. However, it is all about the look you have. So if you think being 119 is the weight that you will need to be, then shoot for that and see what happens. here’s the real test, once you hit your goal weight, submit some of your recent pictures to nearby modeling agencies and see what they say?? Ask them for pointers and guidance!

Hey there Klayton:) Great to hear from you. Here is a great piece that may be of some help to you in guiding you to become a model! Furthermore, if you like the idea of becoming a successful fitness model, don’t miss this one! Have faith in yourself and pray often:) Take care Klayton!!

Hey there Drew, It sounds like you already have a grasp on your modeling journey. This is the hardest part, getting started with an agency. Always keep shooting and if one agency says “no” try another. This is my advice to you:) Here is another piece of advice… always keep a lot of faith in your heart and pray often. Sometimes the industry can be harsh and beat you up, but if you have this faith and prayer, it won’t phase you. God Bless Drew:)

Hey there Aamir! It sounds like you have a good chance at modeling with those stats and here is one of my personal favorite articles on How To Become A Model! Follow this to the T and pray very hard every day. You can do this Aamir!

HI! I am 15 years old, almost 5’7″, and weigh 120 pounds. I am really interested in some sort of fashion modeling weather it be runway or catalogue, not so much interested in fitness. What are your thoughts?

Hi!
I would love to start modelling but I’m not sure whether I fit the criteria.
I’m 13 years old, I’m 5’7 (so I’ll probably grow a bit more), I weigh 59 kgs and my measurements are 33″,25″,36″. I’ve read through this page over and over again and so far it looks like I’m too tall for petite modelling (I live in India and there are tons of opertunities for petite models I’ve heard) and too short for fashion or catalogue.
When should I start? And what kind of modelling should I start out with? Oh, and should I lose a bit more weight??
Thanks for your help!

Hi Nadine!! Very nice to hear from you:) Don’t overthink it Nadine… if modeling is something that you want to try then give it a try. no one can really answer those questions because if you desire it badly enough, you will make it happen. so get to work and Start Modeling! God bless your journey and keep up your faith!

Hey there Adarsh, The best thing I can give you is the opportunity to make your dreams happen! That said, here is a step by step guide to become a model. Follow it closely and if you do, good things will happen. God bless Adarsh!

hey, I am 18 years old and my height is 5″11 and weight 133 pound..my body and health is too much good….and I m very smart so plz give me suggestion which type of modeling good for me and what should I do for model

CAN THIS ADVISE REALLY WORK.IF YOU NOT HAVE MONEY THEN AFTER ANY TALENT GIVE PERFERANCE ?.. My height is174; & i am20 year(Male ) old.. Good dancer. My weight is59 kg. Waist-29-30. Slim body.. By shape 10-12 . Can i be come a model. In past im a child actor. So is n any hope for me in this sector.

Hii good evening…!? my height 6.1 and i look handsome everybody cal me as model and more people suggested me to go modeling and i have gym body with six packs so can i select as model ….? And if i select can i go easily to film industry..?

Hllo i am Tabish sheikh..nd my hieght is 6 ft. N m 20 years old..my chest is 37 nd hip is 38 to 39 nd occupation is 14 …nd i hv done many kind of platform of modeling…nd i have done many kind of ramp..nd i want to be a gd nd success model..can u help me..can u suggest me tht what should i do..going for big platform..like uhh

my height is 6’1″. i want to be a runway model.i have good physique ,good look and all tools which is important in modeling career .but i an 28 year old…….is 28 too old to start for modeling career?…….are there any age limits ?….so tell me please should i try modeling or not ?……..

hi my name is Luis I am 16 years old and I wanted to start modeling I am 6’1 and weigh about 165 pounds I have a good toned body and I am really interested to start modeling and idk where to start I currently live in Oakville Canada which is close to Toronto

Hi, I am 5’9 and 170 lbs but have a slim looking figure and am muscular, but toned and chilled rather than having a masculine look. I have thick voluminous hair with natural beach waves and natural color variation. I am trying to get down to 130 lbs before i reach out to try to become a model, but I am very interested in the business. My only concern is weight for sure but I was wondering if there was another option for my size, although not plus because I wear a size 6 and am 15 years old.

I’m a 15 year old male I’m 5’9 170 lbs (mostly muscle but you know) I did some photos with some friends and they turned out really well but im shorter than a lot of the models. If I was gonna do modeling would it even be worth it or am I to short? And if so what would I do? Just photo shoots or is runway for guys a thing..? I’m just getting into fashion this year so I’m new to this stuff sorry.